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Library Science – Degrees, Cost, and Job Opportunities

Library science is a traditional and popular field of study that goes beyond acquiring, classifying, and managing books in a library. Librarians, who are specialized individuals with a desire to serve and engage their community, often carry a deep understanding of information architecture, cataloging systems, and digital databases. They also authenticate historical and legal documents.

Library Science – Degrees, Cost, and Job Opportunities
There are several jobs and online courses that can help one to get into this field.

What is library science?
Library science, also referred to as information studies, is a field of study that focuses on preserving data and objects that form an integral part of knowledge and literacy on all types of media. Those with a degree in library science are called librarians, and their key responsibility is to connect users with information, acquire knowledge materials, organize, catalog, classify, and manage them using different systems, disseminate information resources, and much more. Apart from public or legal libraries, library science skills are also used in industries like publishing, music, and technology.

Types of library science degrees
1. Bachelor’s in library and information science
This is a four-year entry-level graduation course that allows students to pursue a career in library and information science. This is a mandatory course if one wants to pursue a master’s degree in the field. The curriculum may vary slightly from school to school, but by the end of the bachelor’s course, students will be well versed with concepts like ethics of information use and international and domestic policies, research methods, record archiving, taxonomies, and technical process of indexing and acquiring physical records. In recent years, students are also prepared to work with digital records, like software, hardware, and networks used for their management. In some schools, this course may be optional, but it’s a good idea to opt for it since it will equip students with essential skills required for the digital era.

2. Master’s in library science
A master’s degree in library science, which is usually a two-year specialization course, is mandatory for most types of librarian jobs. But one can also have a teaching certificate along with a bachelor’s in library science to get attractive placements. For some jobs, one may have to graduate from a library school or university, particularly licensed by the American Library Association (ALA).

3. Doctorate library science programs
Those wanting to get a doctorate in library science can opt for a doctorate in Information Technology or a Ph.D. in library and information science. A doctorate can further train students in research-based dissertations, computer networking and operating systems, and systems analysis and design.

Online library science courses
Both bachelor’s and master’s degrees can be done either online or on-campus. However, a doctorate degree usually necessitates faculty and student interaction. Having said that, for the two basic library science degrees, there are hundreds of online courses offered by reputable institutions. These online courses offer flexibility and are usually more affordable than their traditional counterparts, but both are equally reputable in the job market. Many popular online master’s programs can help students to develop technical skills, including media utilization and principles and basics of web design and evaluation. Recently, many colleges have begun offering a hybrid mode of study, where students can take some coursework online and some on campus.

Specializations within library science
Some of the sought-after specializations within library science include studies in digital libraries, archives and records management, rare manuscripts, and school libraries. One can pursue these specializations in a master’s degree program, which also makes it a popular choice among students. Some colleges also offer a dual online degree (part-time or full-time), like Masters of Business Administration – Library and Information Science. These degrees and specializations can help students get placements not just in libraries and archives but also in government, business intelligence agencies, entertainment studies, corporations, museums, cultural organizations, and many information centers.

General cost of library science degrees online
The cost of online courses varies vastly depending on the colleges, the faculty, and the duration of the course. On average, though, an online master’s degree in library science can go up to $12,394 for a public institute. If one opts for a private institute, it can cost about $28,445.

Library science degree jobs
Apart from a librarian, there are several other career opportunities that a library science graduate or post-graduate can pursue. Some of them include the following:

Library technician
Those with a bachelor’s degree may be able to acquire a position as a library technician. This person usually assists the main librarian, catalogs files, and helps students locate records and use library resources. One can expect to get about $40,000 annual salary for the job of a technician.

Digital archivist
These candidates specialize in historical records and their collection, organization, classification, and overall management. They also create and maintain the metadata for these records for easy access and retrieval. One can expect nearly $60,000 annual income for an archivist job.

Outreach librarian
Also called outreach coordinators, they are mainly involved in organizing, promoting, and managing outreach programs that invite new and old patrons to the library and boost reading habits among the communities. As an outreach coordinator, one must have strong interpersonal skills, public reactions, and communication skills.

Apart from these, one can also be a digital asset manager, knowledge management specialist, metadata librarian, or a professor in library science.

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6 simple benefits of meditation

A habitual process, mediation helps to train the mind to be more focussed by redirecting thoughts. Many people use meditation techniques to increase self-awareness. Some people use mediation as a way to alleviate stress and increase concentration levels. Whatever be the purpose of mediation, the process comes with a lot of benefits. Here are some of the well-known benefits of mediation and how it affects the brain. Improves sleep cycle Nearly everyone suffers from insomnia once in a while. Some experience a persistent lack of sleep. The reasons for a disrupted sleep cycle can be severe stress, anxiety, and worrying. Often racing thoughts and severe emotional distress can also cause insomnia. Medication helps in dealing with insomnia. However, by focusing all thoughts, meditation can be beneficial in controlling racing and runaway thoughts. Moreover, it will release the tension and help the mind and body relax, leading to improved sleep quality. Those who meditate often have better REM sleep and tend to fall asleep in a shorter time. Reduced perception of pain Everyone’s brain perceives pain with different intensities. However, when one is extremely stressed out or anxious, one’s perception of pain may be higher than usual. Pain receptors are directly linked to the emotional state of mind. When one incorporates regular meditation in their everyday routines, it can be effective in controlling pain sensations. With mindfulness meditation, pain can be alleviated. Moreover, the quality of life also improves. Those who suffer from chronic pain may find meditation useful as it lowers the risk of depression. Those who meditate have been known to develop higher tolerance towards physical pain. Improved concentration levels Mindfulness meditation increases the ability to focus on the present. It is similar to weight-lifting, but for the brain. This can improve concentration levels required for the other tasks in everyday life. According to research, mindfulness is linked to one’s ability to process new information. It gives a boost to emotional regulation, memory, and learning ability. Moreover, this can help in reversing patterns of worrying and wandering minds. All of this can give more clarity, allowing greater decision-making capability. Meta-awareness and attention can be trained through mindfulness meditation and focused-attention meditation. Lower risk of age-associated memory loss With meditation, there is improvement in attention. In addition, there is improved clarity of thought. A form of meditation that involves repeating a chant or mantra has been known to improve neuropsychological performance. Along with chanting, the meditating process also involves repetitive motions of the fingers. This helps to focus thoughts. Moreover, different forms of meditation have been known to boost memory, attention, and mental agility, especially in older adults. Along with slowing down age-related memory loss, meditating can help to control stress that is often a major contributor to memory loss. Better management of depression and anxiety Dwelling on anxious thoughts is one of the major factors contributing to depression. With mindfulness meditation, the mind can be trained to focus on the present. Practicing mindfulness over a longer duration can alleviate anxiety. It also helps in easing symptoms of depression. In many cases, meditation is often a part of comprehensive mental health treatment plans. From correcting troubled sleeping patterns, appetite loss, and moodiness, mindfulness-based mediation can go a long way in making it easier to manage anxiety and depression. Better self-esteem Mindfulness and meditation encourage a person to slow down. These practices help to follow deeper self-reflection. Along the way, a person gains the ability to discover positive attributes about themselves. A person is able to examine their feelings, emotions, and thoughts without any judgment. This boosts self-awareness. It also helps in improving social anxiety symptoms. All of these help in gaining a better sense of self-esteem.
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Tibetan prayer beads

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If you have been practicing meditation or yoga for a long time, you probably have come across prayer beads. You can find these Buddhist beads, alternatively referred to as Tibetan prayer beads, in sculptures or paintings of Buddha where he is seen holding these beads. Although it is quite a common sight, few actually know about Tibetan prayer beads. This article elucidates on some important points related to prayer beads. Prayer beads have been used across the globe for thousands of years. They play a vital role in various cultures and countries for meditation purposes. Some records claim that beads were first noticed in Nepal and India. They have been used across different religions, such as Catholicism and Hinduism, among others. Advantages of prayer beads Prayer beads can help you with various aspects of meditation, a practice that provides numerous health benefits. Meditation can contribute to lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and reducing stress levels. However, many people face difficulties while meditating, particularly at the start. This is when prayer beads prove to be useful, as they keep you focused while meditating. The constant movement of your fingers around the beads helps in grounding you. When you touch each bead, you say a chant so you can keep a count of the number of times you have repeated the chant. Composition of prayer beads Traditionally, they consist of 108 beads along with a guru bead, which has a tassel and is bigger than all the other beads. How significant is the number of beads Usually, traditional Tibetan prayer beads have 108 beads. This number is considered sacred in Buddhism and Hinduism. However, if you feel that 108 is a lot, you can purchase a necklace with 27 or 54 beads. Some necklaces have beads of different shapes after the 27 th bead. So, you can keep track of your repetitions efficiently. Such prayer beads also allow for shorter meditation periods. How can you use prayer beads for meditation? Breath control and repetition of the chant are two key starting points while using prayer beads during meditation. It is advisable to focus on your breathing while meditating. You can use prayer beads for managing your breath by: Holding the prayer beads in one hand Allowing the beads to drape around your fingers so that you may move them with ease Inhaling and exhaling one full breath Moving the fingers to the next bead; breath in and out once for each bead Concluding at the guru bead to finish 108 breaths Moving your fingers in the other direction until you again reach the guru bead if you wish to do another round. While following these steps, you may repeat a chant, which can be a sound, word, or phrase to be aware of during meditation.
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Help people cope with difficulties During difficult or stressful times, prayers can help one feel hopeful and resilient or release their sense of control, relinquishing it to a higher power or truth. This can provide a powerful framework for coping with stress or grief, reducing the risk of anxiety or depression. Enhance gratitude Prayers often involve practicing gratitude and compassion. This may help people let go of any ill or negative feelings they may be harboring, helping them feel lighter and boosting overall health. Promote mindfulness Some forms of prayer and spiritual practices, such as meditation, promote awareness of the present. This could help people control their thoughts and emotions, ground them in the current moment, create a connection between the mind, spirit, and body, and offer peace or mindfulness. 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Over time, this may lead to low immune function and raise the risk of conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s: Spiritual practices such as praying and meditation may also act as a natural buffer against age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and arthritis. While praying may not be enough to prevent the onset of these conditions, it may help delay them, reduce symptoms, or slow down their progress. Based on research and anecdotal evidence, prayers appear to have several healing qualities – both physical and emotional. To introduce this practice into one’s daily life, here are some tips that may help: Form a habit: Praying at the same time every day may help one establish some time apart for connecting with themselves and the powers they believe in. Set aside five to ten minutes daily to pray or meditate, and do it consistently. Keep it simple: Praying and meditation do not require significant investments. 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Natural Remedies That Boost Sleep Quality

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Buy bean bag chairs to relax in style

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Natural Remedies for Depression

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